04/15/2026
Sadly this is a true story. Rather than let nature take it's course, mother's were told to have a strict feeding schedule which for most infants would cause poor weight gain and the need for "homemade" formula. Thank goodness for La Leche League International who created mom to mom support groups and leaders to get babies back to the breast. In1985 they also created the IBCLC credential to professionalize lactation care. I sat the exam in 1987 & here we are!!💗
Early 1900s breastfeeding education. This is why Certified Breastfeeding Counselors, lactation educators, and IBCLCs are vital. We're still undoing misinformation.
🤯 so... they had some information correct. Yes, most are able to feed. But... rigid schedule? Not so ideal.
Breastfeeding education wasn't simply encouraging more breastfeeding, it was potentially lifesaving.
In 1915, across the US, around 10% of babies died before their first birthday. According to the CDC, some cities had 30% infant mortality. Public health campaigns focusing on infant feeding, sleep safety, hygiene, etc., worked alongside advancements in medical care and we saw numbers drop. Lack of access to clean water, homemade formulas lacking nutrition, etc., meant breastfeeding was vital in reducing mortality.
But where they failed to truly increase breastfeeding was through rigid feeding schedules like used in formula feeding.
Breastfeeding still continues to be protective against infant mortality.
Did you receive outdated breastfeeding information?
